drug sensitivity testing

Use DNA Drug Sensitivity Testing to Get Your Patients on the Right Track.

BACMAC is proud to have astrategic partnership with Genelex, whose Personalized Prescribing System is the most advanced and innovative DNA drug sensitivity testing program available.

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Genelex collaborates with physicians to develop a YouScript Personalized Prescribing System in their practices to help mitigate the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs), adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug therapeutic failures (DTFs). Itis well known that drug metabolism is highly variable causing a medication that works for some patients to potentially result in unanticipated negative outcomes, toxicity or therapeutic failure for others. We help you reduce these risks by addressing the two largest factors that cause this difference in drug response: genetic variations affecting drug metabolizing enzymes and concomitant medications, which can inhibit or induce drug metabolism.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Medications:One size does not fit all

﻿﻿Everyone has unique, complex genetic characteristics. We typically think of these as things that determine our eye color or whether we are likely to develop certain diseases and disorders. However, genetics also affect how we respond to most commonly prescribed medications.

More than 75% of people have genetic variations that determine how their bodies process and use drugs. This applies not only to prescription medications, but also to over-the-counter medicines, herbal and dietary supplements, and recreational drugs such as marijuana.

Because of these genetic differences, two people can take the same dose of the same drug, but respond in very different ways. For example, the drug might work very well for one person, but not at all for another. Or the drug might cause side effects for one person, but not for someone else.

One-size-fits-all approach to drug development and prescribing

Every year, more than 8.6 million ADEs are reported in the US - 2.2 million of them are severe. In fact, ADEs are the fourth leading cause of death nationwide, after heart disease, cancer and stroke, and they place an enormous financial burden on the healthcare system. Even with proper prescribing, a patient’s genetics can affect how they metabolize and respond to drugs. More than 85% of patients have detectable variations in their DNA that increase their risk for an ADE. Personalized DNA drug sensitivity testing determines a patient’s drug metabolizing capacity, thus, physicians are able to quickly find the safest, most effective drug and dose for each patient’s unique genetics. By providing clear, actionable guidance, personalized DNA drug sensitivity testing lets clinicians address the complexities of drug interactions and the impact of individual genetics on drug metabolization. This leads to better prescribing decisions, reduced ADEs, improved patient outcomes, and lower healthcare costs.﻿

Now there is a simple genetic test that can help doctors determine which drugs and doses are right for their patients.

The YouScript Personalized Prescribing System starts with a painless cheek swab done by a doctor or nurse. The swabs are then sent to Genelex's genetic testing laboratory to determine the patients' unique drug-processing genetic characteristics.

The doctor will receive a report with the patients' results and detailed recommendations for possible changes to their drug regimen or dosages. The YouScript Personalized Prescribing System can help physicians:

Improve the effectivenessof the medications their patients take;

Reduce negative side effects;

Preventserious drug reactions; and

Avoid buying andusing drugs that won’t work for their patients

Every YouScript Personalized Prescribing System comes with:

Wallet cards to help patientsshare their drug processing information with all their other doctors;

Secure online access to their patients' results so doctors can make safer, more informed prescribing decisions based on their patients' unique genetic characteristics; and

Support from a team of licensed pharmacists and personalized prescribing specialists.﻿

﻿FAQs

Q: What are adverse drug events?

An adverse drug event (ADE) is an injury or illness caused by a drug or by the way a drug is used. The type of ADE depends on the drug or combination of drugs being taken. Many ADEs occur because of individual differences in how the body processes a drug or drug combination. Three-fourths of all ADEs are related to the amount of a drug a person takes (too much or too little). ADEs result in more than 100,000 deaths each year, making them the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. The Personalized Prescribing Program prevents ADEs by identifying relevant drug-drug and drug-gene interactions.

Q: What is pharmacogenetics?

Pharmacogenetics is the study of how individual people respond to drugs based on their genetic makeup. When you take a drug, enzymes in your liver, intestines, and other tissues break down that drug so it can be excreted. Your genes provide the instructions to make these enzymes, several of which may be involved in the breakdown and excretion of any particular drug.

The P-450 family of drug metabolizing enzymes inactivates most prescription drugs. The most important and thoroughly studied of these enzymes are CYP2D6 and CYP2C9. It is estimated that more than half of the population has at least one defect in these enzymes – which can greatly increase the risk of an adverse drug reaction. Your specific genetic makeup determines how these enzymes interact and whether they work faster or slower than average.

CYP2C9 influences the metabolism of Coumadin® (warfarin), Amaryl® (glimepiride), isoniazid, sulfa, and ibuprofen. Clinical studies suggest that the use of genetictesting may be especially helpful determining correct warfarin dosing. Other drugs thought to be metabolized by CYP2C9 include, amitriptyline, Dilantin®, Hyzaar®, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), naproxen, and Viagra®.

CYP2C19 is associated with the metabolism of carisoprodol, diazepam, Dilantin®, and Prevacid®

Q: How has DNA drug sensitivity testing been used up to this point?

Drug companies regularly use these tests in clinical trials, to exclude people for whom the drug will be dangerous or ineffective. Medical centers around the country are also beginning to use these tests on their own patients, to avoid serious drug side effects and achieve more accurate prescribing.

Q: Why is DNA drug sensitivity testing just now becoming available?

There are many reasons:

﻿Key parts of this test have only recently been developed.

Many doctors do not realize the extent of the problem of serious drug side effects, which leads to more than 100,000 deaths in America each year.

Drug companies and insurance providers have been concerned about the costs associated with testing.﻿

Genelex has made the tests available to the public so people can benefit now from recent pharmacogenetic advances. They also recognize that more people want to take greater responsibility for their own healthcare, and support that decision.

Q: Do I need a prescription to order this testing?

Yes, you need a prescription from a doctor. Your doctor can download the Genelex Prescription Request Form.

Q: Will the test be covered by my medical insurance?

﻿﻿Insurance is now consistently reimbursing for DNA drug sensitivity testing, under specific circumstances.

These include:

﻿Patients who have adverse drug reactions or do not respond to a prescription drug

To determine if apatient will be helped by a specific type of cancer treatment

To select asafe and effective drug regimen for patients with many different medical conditions

Genelex has submitted multiple claims with several insurance providers, almost all of which have been paid at an acceptable rate. Genelex will work with patients to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on the insurance plan, patients may still be responsible for a deductible or co-payment.

Please note that testing is usually covered only for specific medications and conditions, not when it is used for general screening. If this is a concern, contact the insurance provider about coverage prior to ordering this testing.

Even if this testing is not covered by a patient's insurance, many patients think that a one-time expense is well worth it when the benefits of testing are considered. Since your DNA never changes, the test results are good for life.